For the first time, a woman has been elected leader of Australia’s Liberal Party. Sussan Ley succeeded Peter Dutton, who led the party to a crushing defeat in the election. By four votes, Ley, who belongs to the party’s moderate wing, defeated Angus Taylor, who ran on a platform of restoring conservative principles.
The Liberal-National alliance, Australia’s primary opposition party, lost the election on May 3rd in what many are describing as its worst defeat ever. MPs and pundits have attributed the outcome to divisive leaders, a disorganised campaign, and “Trumpian” ideas that notably alienated women and young voters.
Following his Labour Party’s overwhelming election victory, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was sworn in at Government House on Tuesday, coinciding with Ley’s appointment.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Coalition now has 41 electorates, down from 58, while Labour has gained at least 93 seats, expanding its majority by 16. Several seats are still too close to call.
Ley has been a senior minister in a number of departments and has held the large regional seat of Farrer in New South Wales since 2001, making her one of the most seasoned members of the Liberal Party. Under Dutton, she also served as the party’s deputy.
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